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Today on TheKQ, I'm talking beach days with a toddler in tow.

I recently noted a beach day as a date idea with your mini {here}. I have also shared some beach essentials {here}. This time around, I wanted to give you an inside look at our most recent trip to Lake Michigan.

Summertime in Michigan is my favorite time of the year! I've joked about being solar powered in the past, but I honestly think it is true. Something about the sunshine just improves everything around me! I have been itching to make to it to the beach since the weather started looking up. Between all things business, blogging, + busy weekends, we FINALLY made it to Lake Michigan as a family.

We usually frequent Tunnel Park Beach in Holland, but this time around we wanted to experience a different location. There's no shortage of options along West Michigan's coastline, so we decided to head to Kirk Park Beach near Grand Haven. It's a little smaller + more private, which is perfect when chasing around BQ. Plus, it's family friendly which is always at the top of our list when scouting out any location to relax.

The difference between this beach trip + last year - A T O D D L E R ! Here's a timeline of how our day went...

11 AM

Arrive at beach + unload the car

1105

S L O W L Y make your way to the beach because your toddler has to stop every minute to look at grass + trees

1110

Find your spot + set up your beach essentials

1115

Still setting up essentials while yelling to your toddler to stay away from the water.

1120

Your toddler is begging to go to the water

1125

Finally finished setting up your spot

1130

Take your toddler to the lake + attempt to put her in the water

1135

Toddler is C L I N G I N G to your for dear life because she is terrified of the water

1140

Take your toddler back to your spot

1141

Your toddler is begging to go to the water

1142

Your husband volunteers to take her back to the water

1143

You start to "relax" by painting your toes in your favorite summer shade

1150

You finish your nails + decide to relax by laying out in the sun to nap

1152

Your umbrella rolls away + hits the person behind you

1153

You hop up to chase your umbrella + apologize to the person it hit while your freshly painted toes are now covered in sand

1155

You set up your umbrella again + look out to the water where your toddler is STILL terrified of the water

12

Your husband brings your toddler back to also "relax" + play with her beach toys

1201

Your toddler is begging to go to the water

And that was only the first hour!

I am happy to say after T W O H O U R S (thanks to my donut floaty) BQ FINALLY got in the water with us. She loved it so much + kept saying, "Mommy, it's a bath! Water! It's a bath!" + of course when we tried to leave she begged us to stay! Yes, beach days with a toddler are more eventful + less relaxing than they used to be, but seeing her smile + laugh + experience things for the first time makes every exhausting minute worth it!

I recently noted a beach day as a date idea with your mini {here}. I have also shared some beach essentials {here}. This time around, I wanted to give you an inside look at our most recent trip to Lake Michigan.

Summertime in Michigan is my favorite time of the year! I've joked about being solar powered in the past, but I honestly think it is true. Something about the sunshine just improves everything around me! I have been itching to make to it to the beach since the weather started looking up. Between all things business, blogging, + busy weekends, we FINALLY made it to Lake Michigan as a family.

We usually frequent Tunnel Park Beach in Holland, but this time around we wanted to experience a different location. There's no shortage of options along West Michigan's coastline, so we decided to head to Kirk Park Beach near Grand Haven. It's a little smaller + more private, which is perfect when chasing around BQ. Plus, it's family friendly which is always at the top of our list when scouting out any location to relax.

The difference between this beach trip + last year - A T O D D L E R ! Here's a timeline of how our day went...

11 AM

Arrive at beach + unload the car

1105

S L O W L Y make your way to the beach because your toddler has to stop every minute to look at grass + trees

1110

Find your spot + set up your beach essentials

1115

Still setting up essentials while yelling to your toddler to stay away from the water.

1120

Your toddler is begging to go to the water

1125

Finally finished setting up your spot

1130

Take your toddler to the lake + attempt to put her in the water

1135

Toddler is C L I N G I N G to your for dear life because she is terrified of the water

1140

Take your toddler back to your spot

1141

Your toddler is begging to go to the water

1142

Your husband volunteers to take her back to the water

1143

You start to "relax" by painting your toes in your favorite summer shade

1150

You finish your nails + decide to relax by laying out in the sun to nap

1152

Your umbrella rolls away + hits the person behind you

1153

You hop up to chase your umbrella + apologize to the person it hit while your freshly painted toes are now covered in sand

1155

You set up your umbrella again + look out to the water where your toddler is STILL terrified of the water

12

Your husband brings your toddler back to also "relax" + play with her beach toys

1201

Your toddler is begging to go to the water

And that was only the first hour!

I am happy to say after T W O H O U R S (thanks to my donut floaty) BQ FINALLY got in the water with us. She loved it so much + kept saying, "Mommy, it's a bath! Water! It's a bath!" + of course when we tried to leave she begged us to stay! Yes, beach days with a toddler are more eventful + less relaxing than they used to be, but seeing her smile + laugh + experience things for the first time makes every exhausting minute worth it!

First of all, I want to say T H A N K Y O U for following along with #TheKQ30! All of the love you guys showed me on Instagram + checking in on TheKQ daily really means SO much. It made all of my hard work worth EVERY SINGLE MINUTE!

In honor of my EPIC EXPERIEMENT, I decided to round up your Top 10 favorite looks! Since most of my looks were pieces I have had for a long time, I was only able to link a few items below. + in case you missed the entire June line up featuring skirts + dresses, you can check it out here on the official #TheKQ30 page! 1 | 30

First of all, I want to say T H A N K Y O U for following along with #TheKQ30! All of the love you guys showed me on Instagram + checking in on TheKQ daily really means SO much. It made all of my hard work worth EVERY SINGLE MINUTE!

In honor of my EPIC EXPERIEMENT, I decided to round up your Top 10 favorite looks! Since most of my looks were pieces I have had for a long time, I was only able to link a few items below. + in case you missed the entire June line up featuring skirts + dresses, you can check it out here on the official #TheKQ30 page! 1 | 30

If you follow TheKQ closely, then you know about my obsession with Iconoclasp {a local clothing line designed by the AMAZING Ashley Triêu}. Her pieces are not only on trend, they are unique + truly one of a kind. When I had the opportunity to hang out with her one evening + get an inside look at her collection, I literally fan-girled over every.single.thing! I tried on the original version of this top {here} + completely fell in love with it, ESPECIALLY the bell sleeve element! The only thing was that it was super cropped, even with my highest of waist denim. What I love about Ashley is she immediately came up with a solution to add fabric to the existing top + make it more "me". This is the end result + I love it even more! Having my first custom piece makes me feel SO special, which is how you should feel in whatever you wear! Take a look at how I styled my new piece below + I'm 100% sure this isn't the last time Iconoclasp will make an appearance on The Kierra Quinn.

If you follow TheKQ closely, then you know about my obsession with Iconoclasp {a local clothing line designed by the AMAZING Ashley Triêu}. Her pieces are not only on trend, they are unique + truly one of a kind. When I had the opportunity to hang out with her one evening + get an inside look at her collection, I literally fan-girled over every.single.thing! I tried on the original version of this top {here} + completely fell in love with it, ESPECIALLY the bell sleeve element! The only thing was that it was super cropped, even with my highest of waist denim. What I love about Ashley is she immediately came up with a solution to add fabric to the existing top + make it more "me". This is the end result + I love it even more! Having my first custom piece makes me feel SO special, which is how you should feel in whatever you wear! Take a look at how I styled my new piece below + I'm 100% sure this isn't the last time Iconoclasp will make an appearance on The Kierra Quinn.

If you have been following The Kierra Quinn closely, then you know that I am officially a stay at home mom who also works from home. Being home with BQ more has been amazing + with the weather FINALLY looking up {shoutout to #puremichigan} I am planning ways to spend quality time together. Below are 10 date ideas for mom + mini featuring our mommy + me sneakers we received from Skechers!

Explore the city

Pack up the stroller + your favorite snacks, it's time to get out of the house. Sometimes the best dates are when you don't have a set plan. {Kids are unpredictable anyways, might as well roll with it, right?} Explore your city with your mini. Head downtown wherever you live + discover new hidden gems.

Playtime at the park

This is probably the number one date idea for everyone, but you can never go wrong with an afternoon at the park. Every mini LOVES running around, climbing + sliding. BQ loves the swings. Plus this date is a great way to connect with other mom's + their mini's. So invite a friend or meet someone new. It's a win/win either way. Your kid gets a chance to be social, while you get a chance to talk to an actual adult! {There's only so much toddler talk you can take in a day! Trust me!}

Scout out your favorite animals at the zoo

The zoo is a great opportunity to teach your mini about animal life! You could even use it as an excuse to get your walk in for the day. I can't wait to take BQ to our local zoo! We took her last year on vacation, but she was only 7 months old so it was more watching than actual doing. This time around she will actually be able to say animal names + even imitate them!

Get artsy at the museum

Add a little culture to your day + check out your local museum. We have FIVE museums just located downtown where we live, including a Children's Museum {where we took these photos}. On specific days some museums even have a discounted rate or are even free after a certain time. They may even offer special programs/activities for kids.

Schedule a photoshoot

It may be the blogger in me, but I LOVE scheduling a photoshoot with BQ. You can coordinate looks + head to a kid friendly location. They will make for cute photos + even better memories. I suggest that the photos are as candid as possible {even if your kid is having a meltdown}. *If you want to avoid a freakout, make sure your mini is well fed + completely napped {that goes for you too}!

Picnic lunch date

Now that BQ pretty much eats any + everything, lunch dates are our JAM! I've been trying to have one with her once a week. If the thought of sitting down at a restaurant with your mini gives you anxiety, don't worry! Grab your food on the go + have a picnic instead. That way you can still eat your favorites {I'm talking to you Chipotle} + some fresh air too!

Indoor pillow fort + a movie

This is my favorite, especially for a rainy day. I have so many childhood memories with my younger brother building pillow forts. I even built one for BQ recently + she absolutely loved it! This is a great chance to snuggle with your mini + watch their favorite movie, even doing a mini marathon. {BRB, we are binge watching Toy Story!}

Thrift shopping

Play dress up + go thrift shopping! Teach your little one what vintage REALLY means. Plus, you'll be able to score some unique finds for the both of you! We frequent multiple Goodwill locations, but I'm sure you already knew that!

A day at the beach

Who doesn't love some fun in the sun?! + summertime on Lake Michigan is THE BEST! Lay out in some coordinating mom + mini swimwear + load up on the beach toys! BQ loved the beach last year, so I know this year will be even better for her now that she is older!

Roll, bounce, skate

Switch things up + head to your local rollerskating rink. Your mini is never too young to learn. {I can't remember not know how to roller-skate.} Some rinks even have special times specifically for mom's + their kids. + if you fall, no big deal. A great way to teach your mini to always get back up with a smile on their face.

What do you enjoy to do with your mini? We would love to hear your suggestions. Comment your ideas below! + stay tuned to The KQ, a series will be coming that documents our day dates!

If you have been following The Kierra Quinn closely, then you know that I am officially a stay at home mom who also works from home. Being home with BQ more has been amazing + with the weather FINALLY looking up {shoutout to #puremichigan} I am planning ways to spend quality time together. Below are 10 date ideas for mom + mini featuring our mommy + me sneakers we received from Skechers!

Explore the city

Pack up the stroller + your favorite snacks, it's time to get out of the house. Sometimes the best dates are when you don't have a set plan. {Kids are unpredictable anyways, might as well roll with it, right?} Explore your city with your mini. Head downtown wherever you live + discover new hidden gems.

Playtime at the park

This is probably the number one date idea for everyone, but you can never go wrong with an afternoon at the park. Every mini LOVES running around, climbing + sliding. BQ loves the swings. Plus this date is a great way to connect with other mom's + their mini's. So invite a friend or meet someone new. It's a win/win either way. Your kid gets a chance to be social, while you get a chance to talk to an actual adult! {There's only so much toddler talk you can take in a day! Trust me!}

Scout out your favorite animals at the zoo

The zoo is a great opportunity to teach your mini about animal life! You could even use it as an excuse to get your walk in for the day. I can't wait to take BQ to our local zoo! We took her last year on vacation, but she was only 7 months old so it was more watching than actual doing. This time around she will actually be able to say animal names + even imitate them!

Get artsy at the museum

Add a little culture to your day + check out your local museum. We have FIVE museums just located downtown where we live, including a Children's Museum {where we took these photos}. On specific days some museums even have a discounted rate or are even free after a certain time. They may even offer special programs/activities for kids.

Schedule a photoshoot

It may be the blogger in me, but I LOVE scheduling a photoshoot with BQ. You can coordinate looks + head to a kid friendly location. They will make for cute photos + even better memories. I suggest that the photos are as candid as possible {even if your kid is having a meltdown}. *If you want to avoid a freakout, make sure your mini is well fed + completely napped {that goes for you too}!

Picnic lunch date

Now that BQ pretty much eats any + everything, lunch dates are our JAM! I've been trying to have one with her once a week. If the thought of sitting down at a restaurant with your mini gives you anxiety, don't worry! Grab your food on the go + have a picnic instead. That way you can still eat your favorites {I'm talking to you Chipotle} + some fresh air too!

Indoor pillow fort + a movie

This is my favorite, especially for a rainy day. I have so many childhood memories with my younger brother building pillow forts. I even built one for BQ recently + she absolutely loved it! This is a great chance to snuggle with your mini + watch their favorite movie, even doing a mini marathon. {BRB, we are binge watching Toy Story!}

Thrift shopping

Play dress up + go thrift shopping! Teach your little one what vintage REALLY means. Plus, you'll be able to score some unique finds for the both of you! We frequent multiple Goodwill locations, but I'm sure you already knew that!

A day at the beach

Who doesn't love some fun in the sun?! + summertime on Lake Michigan is THE BEST! Lay out in some coordinating mom + mini swimwear + load up on the beach toys! BQ loved the beach last year, so I know this year will be even better for her now that she is older!

Roll, bounce, skate

Switch things up + head to your local rollerskating rink. Your mini is never too young to learn. {I can't remember not know how to roller-skate.} Some rinks even have special times specifically for mom's + their kids. + if you fall, no big deal. A great way to teach your mini to always get back up with a smile on their face.

What do you enjoy to do with your mini? We would love to hear your suggestions. Comment your ideas below! + stay tuned to The KQ, a series will be coming that documents our day dates!

I seriously can't believe it has already been a year since I relaunched my blog + started a new journey. I'll start this post by saying THANK YOU! Your support via likes, comments, subscribing, + reading our blog is SO APPRECIATED! I have so much love for all of you, especially our #dayone followers! Today's post will be a little bit different. I will be taking the time to answer our most frequently asked questions {yes, I do take note of what you ask} as a way for you to get to know The Kierra Quinn!

Where does the name Kierra Quinn come from?

Our blog name comes from our middle names. Which is funny because my mom wanted me to be named Kierra + I wanted my mini to be named Quinn. I'm Kherington + she's Bentlee.

What made you start blogging + how long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging as The Kierra Quinn for one year, BUT I used to blog for a local company as Style Maven for 2.5 years. I stopped blogging after I no longer worked with them, but people would always ask me about blogging again since they enjoyed Style Maven so much. When I was pregnant + even after I had Bentlee friends + family would continue to ask, especially to document our style. I knew whenever I did decide to start again I wanted to make sure I was ready, that way it would be genuine + authentic.

What is motherhood really like?

HARD WORK, but so fulfilling. I actually have a blog post that talks about this topic. Mom Life | Mommin' Ain't Easy -10 Things Motherhood Has Taught Me {here}How do you balance being a mom, a wife, + blogging?This is definitely the question I get asked the most. Balance is so hard, but it is so key no matter what you are doing in life. I just try to be as present as possible with whatever I am doing. If I'm with BQ, then I'm all in, giving her 100% of my attention. When I'm spending time with my husband, that's exactly what it is, with no distraction. The same goes with blogging. I set aside time for it throughout my day + focus on it. I also keep a planner. I plan out my month at the beginning of the month + my week on Sunday nights. I also write down EVERYTHING I need to do each day, prioritize what needs to be done + hold myself accountable.

Are you a SAHM or do you work?

Right now it's both. I'm a working mom who happens to stay at home. I recently left my job to first + foremost be home with BQ, but to also build my business blogging + focus on my Style Consultation business too! I will have a blog post about this soon!

Do you get paid to blog or is it a hobby?

Again, both. The Kierra Quinn definitely started as a hobby {a creative outlet for me}, but I have worked with companies for content over the past year. I am in the process of monetizing my blog with paid content + my business.

Learn more about my services {here}, client reviews {here}, + you can even book your appointment {here}. {Yes, I do travel!}What is a Closet Consultation?The Closet Consultation consists of organization, helping to purge unwanted pieces, + styling pieces client's already own. This service is now complimentary courtesy of Goodwill Greater Grand Rapids. There's more information about this service on my recent blog post, here. I will also have a more in depth post coming soon.

Where do you shop {for you + BQ} + how do you find such good deals?

I like to shop stores where I can find pieces for me + Bentlee together. Target is my BFF!

I also frequent Old Navy, Marshalls/TJMaxx, Goodwill, Forever 21, + H&M. As far as deals go, I LIVE near the clearance rack. I rarely pay over $20 for our pieces, unless it is something we absolutely need or will last us forever!

Who takes your pictures + how do you get such good pictures of BQ?

Shoutout to my #instagramhusband! My husband takes all of our pictures on my iPhone 7+. I have recently started working with local photographers too! {Shoutout to Alfield Reeves Photography featured on a new collaboration post (here) + Ashley Wierenga who shot my style post about Embroidery, here.} Shoots that are BQ exclusive are usually taken by me. I try to get as many candid shots of her as possible. It's not realistic to think she will just sit while I snap pics of her. They usually require a lot of singing and bribing with Cheerios. LOL!

Is Bentlee always so happy?!YES! She has always been the happiest baby {now kid} ever! We have definitely been #blessed in that way!

What is your favorite skin care product?

I feel like I am always on the hunt for the PERFECT product when it comes to skin care. One that I am very obsessed with right now is E.L.F.! I love their Daily Face Cleanser + Exfoliating Scrub{both products are less than $10}. Their skin care line is one the best for an affordable price! There is also a local skin care line called Fox Naturals that I love too! They have a variety of products from face wash to shower gel + even beard oil {can't forget about the guys}! I love their Lavender + Aloe Face Lotion! Let's just say that it's so good that it's sold out right now!

What foundation + setting spray do you use?

I love Fit Me by Maybelline. Right now I have been using their Shine Free + Balance Stick Foundation in the shade Coconut! I feel like it goes on smoother + more consistent. As far as setting spray goes NYX Matte Setting Spray is THE BEST! {I apply it before and after my makeup is done + it seems to stay on longer.}How do I start a blog + what should I blog about?There's a lot that goes in to starting a blog, but it's best to start with finding your niche which will lead you to what you should blog about. What do you love? What are you really good at? What do people ask you for advice about the most? Answering these questions will help you figure out what to blog about + what type of content your followers would be interested in.What makes blogging successful?Authenticity! Being genuine + yourself is so key to a successful blog. I try to be as transparent as possible when it comes to blogging + creating content. I want you to feel like we are bff's + you can come to me {or my blog} for anything! When people see you as an authority in your niche, that's success!

Whether you are new to #thekqcrew or have been along for the ride since the beginning, thank you so much! This past year has been greater than I even imagined it could be + things are only going up from here. If there's a question that wasn't answered definitely add them in the comments! Let me know what you would like to see on The Kierra Quinn going forward too! BRB, we are off to year two! Stay tuned + Happy Styling!

I seriously can't believe it has already been a year since I relaunched my blog + started a new journey. I'll start this post by saying THANK YOU! Your support via likes, comments, subscribing, + reading our blog is SO APPRECIATED! I have so much love for all of you, especially our #dayone followers! Today's post will be a little bit different. I will be taking the time to answer our most frequently asked questions {yes, I do take note of what you ask} as a way for you to get to know The Kierra Quinn!

Where does the name Kierra Quinn come from?

Our blog name comes from our middle names. Which is funny because my mom wanted me to be named Kierra + I wanted my mini to be named Quinn. I'm Kherington + she's Bentlee.

What made you start blogging + how long have you been blogging?

I've been blogging as The Kierra Quinn for one year, BUT I used to blog for a local company as Style Maven for 2.5 years. I stopped blogging after I no longer worked with them, but people would always ask me about blogging again since they enjoyed Style Maven so much. When I was pregnant + even after I had Bentlee friends + family would continue to ask, especially to document our style. I knew whenever I did decide to start again I wanted to make sure I was ready, that way it would be genuine + authentic.

What is motherhood really like?

HARD WORK, but so fulfilling. I actually have a blog post that talks about this topic. Mom Life | Mommin' Ain't Easy -10 Things Motherhood Has Taught Me {here}How do you balance being a mom, a wife, + blogging?This is definitely the question I get asked the most. Balance is so hard, but it is so key no matter what you are doing in life. I just try to be as present as possible with whatever I am doing. If I'm with BQ, then I'm all in, giving her 100% of my attention. When I'm spending time with my husband, that's exactly what it is, with no distraction. The same goes with blogging. I set aside time for it throughout my day + focus on it. I also keep a planner. I plan out my month at the beginning of the month + my week on Sunday nights. I also write down EVERYTHING I need to do each day, prioritize what needs to be done + hold myself accountable.

Are you a SAHM or do you work?

Right now it's both. I'm a working mom who happens to stay at home. I recently left my job to first + foremost be home with BQ, but to also build my business blogging + focus on my Style Consultation business too! I will have a blog post about this soon!

Do you get paid to blog or is it a hobby?

Again, both. The Kierra Quinn definitely started as a hobby {a creative outlet for me}, but I have worked with companies for content over the past year. I am in the process of monetizing my blog with paid content + my business.

Learn more about my services {here}, client reviews {here}, + you can even book your appointment {here}. {Yes, I do travel!}What is a Closet Consultation?The Closet Consultation consists of organization, helping to purge unwanted pieces, + styling pieces client's already own. This service is now complimentary courtesy of Goodwill Greater Grand Rapids. There's more information about this service on my recent blog post, here. I will also have a more in depth post coming soon.

Where do you shop {for you + BQ} + how do you find such good deals?

I like to shop stores where I can find pieces for me + Bentlee together. Target is my BFF!

I also frequent Old Navy, Marshalls/TJMaxx, Goodwill, Forever 21, + H&M. As far as deals go, I LIVE near the clearance rack. I rarely pay over $20 for our pieces, unless it is something we absolutely need or will last us forever!

Who takes your pictures + how do you get such good pictures of BQ?

Shoutout to my #instagramhusband! My husband takes all of our pictures on my iPhone 7+. I have recently started working with local photographers too! {Shoutout to Alfield Reeves Photography featured on a new collaboration post (here) + Ashley Wierenga who shot my style post about Embroidery, here.} Shoots that are BQ exclusive are usually taken by me. I try to get as many candid shots of her as possible. It's not realistic to think she will just sit while I snap pics of her. They usually require a lot of singing and bribing with Cheerios. LOL!

Is Bentlee always so happy?!YES! She has always been the happiest baby {now kid} ever! We have definitely been #blessed in that way!

What is your favorite skin care product?

I feel like I am always on the hunt for the PERFECT product when it comes to skin care. One that I am very obsessed with right now is E.L.F.! I love their Daily Face Cleanser + Exfoliating Scrub{both products are less than $10}. Their skin care line is one the best for an affordable price! There is also a local skin care line called Fox Naturals that I love too! They have a variety of products from face wash to shower gel + even beard oil {can't forget about the guys}! I love their Lavender + Aloe Face Lotion! Let's just say that it's so good that it's sold out right now!

What foundation + setting spray do you use?

I love Fit Me by Maybelline. Right now I have been using their Shine Free + Balance Stick Foundation in the shade Coconut! I feel like it goes on smoother + more consistent. As far as setting spray goes NYX Matte Setting Spray is THE BEST! {I apply it before and after my makeup is done + it seems to stay on longer.}How do I start a blog + what should I blog about?There's a lot that goes in to starting a blog, but it's best to start with finding your niche which will lead you to what you should blog about. What do you love? What are you really good at? What do people ask you for advice about the most? Answering these questions will help you figure out what to blog about + what type of content your followers would be interested in.What makes blogging successful?Authenticity! Being genuine + yourself is so key to a successful blog. I try to be as transparent as possible when it comes to blogging + creating content. I want you to feel like we are bff's + you can come to me {or my blog} for anything! When people see you as an authority in your niche, that's success!

Whether you are new to #thekqcrew or have been along for the ride since the beginning, thank you so much! This past year has been greater than I even imagined it could be + things are only going up from here. If there's a question that wasn't answered definitely add them in the comments! Let me know what you would like to see on The Kierra Quinn going forward too! BRB, we are off to year two! Stay tuned + Happy Styling!